Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for considering the issues I raised on Second Stage. The term "grandfather clause" was somewhat ageist but he has addressed the issue very well.

I also welcome his response to Senator O'Toole and others regarding the concerns of individuals who wish to continue practising their professions. As a practising politician and someone with vast constituency experience, he is conscious of such concerns. It would be unconstitutional to deprive a person of the right to a livelihood if he or she is at all reasonable in terms of practising a profession. The Department compiles a formal list, to which some have applied. Unfortunately, those who failed to apply are concerned because they are not on the list. Senator O'Rourke and I have been approached by a certain individual who I consider very competent but for some reason was not accepted. The numbers involved are small and I can only cite two people who approached me on the matter.

I acknowledge the Minister's frustration regarding people coming out of the woodwork at this late stage but the issue has passed through a variety of Ministers and Departments. I do not understand why it was dealt with at one stage by the former Minister for Labour, Deputy Quinn, who was a member of the RIAI. He was seemingly more than favourable to the RIAI. He is probably listening to this debate but he cannot deny that. It creates a little concern. Did the Minister consider setting up a council of surveyors to alleviate that concern? John Lynch has campaigned strongly on this issue. This is a democracy and we are putting forward his views as an individual. The Minister's response is on the record and I will transmit that to Mr. Lynch. The Minister has been more than open to meeting people in his constituency or in Leinster House regarding this legislation and he has given them a good hearing. He has responded to our representations.

The IPU has not been given responsibility to register pharmacists and pharmacies, although the union has an input and it is involved with its members. I raised this issue on Second Stage and the Minister has inserted an appeals procedures, as a result of which this issue will not arise when the legislation is enacted. People entering the pharmaceutical profession will be aware of the procedures that must be followed to obtain qualifications. I am reassured by the Minister's comments that if those who have atypical qualifications forward their curriculum vitae to the board, they will be successful.